Kesi, or Cut Silk, refers to
silk tapestry with cut designs, and is a unique Chinese traditional silk weaving
technique. Archaeological evidence indicates that silk tapestries with cut
designs were produced in China at least as early as the Tang
Dynasty (618-907). In the Song Dynasty (960-1279), tapestries became popular
for their classical coloring, refined workmanship, and realistic designs, making
it the golden age of this art form in China. In fact, the National Palace
Museum is renowned for its impressive collection of Song Dynasty tapestries.
Tapestries of the following the Yuan
Dynasty (1279-1368) sometimes also included threads of gold for a unique and
opulent effect. Unfortunately, few such examples survive today. It was during
the Ming
Dynasty (1368-1644) that the art of tapestry witnessed a revival. Many
tapestries made in the early Ming Dynasty were imitations of works in the Song
Dynasty, but artisans were later able to create works with vibrant compositions
and increasingly refined weaving. Some tapestry designs were even embellished
with brushwork and colors for an even more beautiful manner. Tapestries of the
Qing
Dynasty (1644-1911) followed with increasing precision and evenness in terms
of weaving techniques. The range of subject matter also blossomed as designs
became ever more abundant and complex. The practice of combining tapestry and
painting spread, resulting in further variety and beauty for this art form.

Cut silk of the Ming
Dynasty

Tapestry is an art of weaving accomplished
on a basic flat loom. With a combination of partial weft (vertical) threads
attached to full warp (horizontal) threads, it differs from other woven silk
goods that have full warp and weft threads. In other words, the warp threads are
first set in place and then threads of various colors and lengths are shuttled
and attached for the weft to create the desired design or pattern. When seen up
close, the colored threads that make up the images are all independent.
Therefore, it is particularly difficult to make patterns with curves using only
vertical weft threads. Furthermore, since the edges of forms and patterns often
appear abrupt and have a saw-tooth gap where they are attached to the warp, they
look as if they are cut out. For this reason, fine silk tapestry is also
referred to as "cut silk" in Chinese. Subject matters in cut silk include human
figures, mountain and water scenery, flowers and birds, etc.

Silk tapestry with cut designs is one of the
most artistic forms of traditional Chinese handicraft. Though many of the
artisans who made them are anonymous, their works reveal an exceptional level of
skill and patience as well as a considerable degree of artistic cultivation. The
National Palace Museum is home to a large collection of tapestries from the
ages, and this special exhibition represents a selection of some of the finest
works to provide viewers with an opportunity to further appreciate and
understand this important art form in traditional China.